"I'll do it later."

Well, here we are, hours before leaving for our two month hiatus to New Zealand and what do you know, Chris is still packing, running around frantically trying to locate clothes ("I think someone stole my fleece jacket") and other gear, but he's handling this last minute preparation quite well, somehow managing to have time to take cat naps, watch TV and play guitar. "I'll do it later" is his standard response to my nagging and encouraging him to get things done. Maybe it's better this way. I am actually grateful for the distraction, otherwise, I think I would be constantly biting my nails, butterflies in my stomach, having a million thoughts run through my head, like, how do you pronounce " Kahikatea"(the first place we will stay upon our arrival); how am I going to manage carrying a twenty pound pack on a four day tramp?; when do you tip? and of course, what and where will my next meal be?
Despite the nerves, I am excited. I'm excited to experience a new culture, meet lots of people, work on organic farms, and create amazing memories with Chris. On a recent climb we chatted with an older gentleman whom we crossed paths with and he left us with these words: "Enjoy each other". A wonderful reminder and a mantra I will surely use on this adventure. What matters the most is that we have fun and enjoy each other. Just saying those words makes the nerves disappear.